For Students

The IB Programme is demanding for students. It takes more time, effort, and dedication than earning a regular high school diploma. But the benefits are far-reaching and long-lasting, whether you choose to take Certificates or a Diploma.

Students in the IB Programme will simultaneously work towards earning an Alberta High School Diploma and an IB Diploma or Certificates.

Applying for IB at Lester B. Pearson (Grade 9 students)

All students in the CBE who are interested in the IB Programme need to complete the CBE Expression of Interest, and submit it to their designated Area IB school. Your package needs to include the completed Express of Interest, including proof of citizenship, and must be received no later than January 15th. If you are interested in the program and it is past the deadline, please contact the IB Coordinator for more information.

Students will be notified by mail of their acceptance sometime in February, likely between the middle and end of the month. Students are asked to confirm their attendance in the program by emailing and and returning a signed Grade 10 Course form.

IB Certificate and Diploma Options at Lester B. Pearson

All students attending Pearson’s Grade 10 Prep-IB program will take the same courses, regardless of their plans when they enter Grade 10. Once the students have had a chance to learn more about the program, talk to teachers, experience high school, and meet other IB students, they will be given the opportunity to choose the best path for them for Grade 11 and 12.

Near the beginning of semester 2, students will be asked to re-apply, choosing one of the following three options:

choose to take all requirements of the IB Diploma

choose to take IB Certificates (take two or more IB courses)

withdraw from the IB Programme at Pearson

IB Certificates and a French Immersion Certificate

Students who have attended a French Immersion program in Junior High also have the option of working towards an Alberta Education French Immersion Certificate and IB Certificates. Please indicate this choice on your Grade 9 Expression of Interest.

Choosing IB Certificates

This option provides the most flexibility for students who are interested in IB, but for various reasons, do not feel the IB Diploma is the right choice for them. It also allows students to take high school courses that are not part of IB. Students can choose from the following standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) IB courses:

Math SL

Biology SL or Physics SL

Chemistry HL

Literature HL

History HL

Visual Art SL or HL

French SL

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Students are expected to take at least two IB courses in Grades 11 and 12 in order to fully gain the advantages of the IB Programme. Students will also complete CAS hours.

Choosing the IB Diploma

Students who choose to take the IB Diploma must complete the three components of the IB Core, six IB courses (three at higher level, HL, and three at standard level, SL).

The IB Core

The IB Core consists of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class, CAS, and writing an independent Extended Essay (EE). These components are one of the unique aspects of IB. Students learn about learning, how learning does not just happen in the classroom, and what learning means to each person individually.

IB Courses

Students taking the full IB Diploma program will take all of the following courses:

Math SL

Biology SL or Physics SL

Chemistry HL

Literature HL

History HL

French SL

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

IB Assessments

Each subject or course will have specific requirements for assessments, set out by IB. Please speak to your IB teacher for more information about the type of assessments you will be doing in that course. These assessments are usually worth 20-30% of your final IB grade.

All students who take IB courses will write exams or ‘papers’ (except Visual Art) at the end of their course. This will occur in May of Grade 11 and/or Grade 12, depending on the course. These will be worth 70-80% of your final IB grade.